brandish
verb (used with object)
to shake or wave, as a weapon; flourish.
were brandishing
-
past progressiveof brandish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On the famous avenue, many were brandishing French flags and singing “we are in the final.”
From Washington Times ● Dec. 14, 2022
Many had obvious and horrifying injuries, while others were brandishing ID cards to show me.
From New York Times ● Dec. 11, 2018
Yes, Clooney and his wife Amal wore their support for artists’ expression literally, wearing badges with the slogan on the red carpet, where other attendees were brandishing pens in solidarity.
From Time ● Jan. 12, 2015
The men were brandishing polished stone knives and axes, various instruments of war and peace.
From Invaders from the Infinite by Campbell, John Wood
Among the latter was a long engraving of a battle scene, wherein soldiers in three-cornered hats were brandishing huge drums and slender lances.
From Dead Souls by Hogarth, D. J.
